Best Day Ever: Enrique Mazzola of Lyric Opera

Lyric Opera of Chicago has opened its season with Verdi's "Ernani," directed by Enrique Mazzola.

• We recently caught up with the colorful music director to ask about his ideal day in Chicago.

🥐 Breakfast: "I am very Italian in my habits, and in Italy, differently from here, we are used to a breakfast that is just a lovely cappuccino and a croissant (we call it 'cornetto'). So for my breakfast, usually I go to Hendrickx, a magnificent Belgian bakery. I suggest the chocolate croissant!"

🚶 Morning activity: "If I am free in the morning, I just go out and walk along the Lakefront trail to relax."

🍔 Lunch: "When I arrive home in Chicago, after a few months in Europe, I run to Little Goat for the best burger!"

🛍 Afternoon activity: "Lyric Opera for rehearsals or, for shopping, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, but also every boutique on Michigan Avenue."

🇻🇳 Dinner: "I love Le Colonial. Fantastic Vietnamese food with a lovely modern presentation. My very favorite is ca hoi nuong (a delicious roasted salmon)."

🎼 Evening activity: "No doubt about this one — conducting at Lyric Opera. This is my passion, and I have the privilege to love my job, make music, and inspire the thousands and thousands of people coming to Lyric for an extraordinary evening! Please come join us!"